A Cosy Corner for Conscious Coffee & Vegan Bites
I recently caught up with a friend over a Monday lunchtime at Ground Plant Based Coffee – Swansea, a vegan café tucked away in the Brynmill area of the city. Off the main drag and nestled in a quiet spot, it’s a place that feels like a bit of a find.
Established in 2021, Ground’s mission goes beyond food. They’re building a “community for change,” with oat milk as their house standard and a strong sustainability ethos. It’s a small but mighty gesture toward a more climate-conscious café culture.
First Impressions
From the moment I stepped inside, I felt a relaxed, laid-back vibe. The café is cosy and intimate, and the soundtrack couldn’t have been more up my alley—Wolf Alice was playing as we walked in, which felt like a good sign already.
The décor is warm and informal, a blend of rustic charm and modern plant-based values. Ground is clearly trying to be a place that welcomes everyone. In that, I’d say they’re succeeding.
Behind the counter is Helen, the co-owner and chef. She brings over 16 years of experience in vegan cooking to the table. Her passion shows in the variety of options available—from medicinal mushroom drinks and smoothies to full plates and sweet bakes.
Lunch: The Super Sup Wrap
My friend and I decided to try their best-seller: the Super Sup Wrap. It’s packed with Ground’s homemade vegan pastrami, vegan cheese, spinach, gherkins, sauerkraut, onion chutney, and mustard.
To drink, I opted for a Cawston Press Cloudy Lemonade—a crisp, sparkling refreshment with real lemon juice and extract. Light and zesty, it complemented the meal well.
The wrap was generous in size and flavour. The mustard and gherkins were the most prominent tastes—punchy and satisfying, though slightly overpowering at times.
While the wrap filled the lunchtime hunger gap nicely, I did find that many menu items relied heavily on processed vegan ingredients like cheese. Personally, I requested mine without the cheese. Vegan varieties are often coconut-oil based and high in saturated fats, which isn’t ideal for those watching their heart health.
Staff were more than happy to accommodate the change, which was much appreciated.
What’s Next?
Although we didn’t sample their range of drinks made with adaptogenic mushrooms this time, they definitely caught our eye.
I’m intrigued to return and try their reishi or lion’s mane blends—especially as part of their focus on functional, feel-good food and drink.
Overall Verdict:
Ground Plant Based Coffee – Swansea is a thoughtful little haven for the plant-curious and long-time vegans alike. It’s doing more than just serving coffee. It’s creating a space where sustainability, health, and comfort meet.
There’s room to refine the balance between processed and fresh ingredients, but the heart behind this place is strong. I’m already thinking about what I’ll try next time.
Website: Visit Ground Coffee Swansea